Measuring process orientation

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically develop a valid measurement scale for process orientation – a critical supply chain management (SCM) concept that warrants greater study.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows the measurement development approach proposed by Churchill. Data are collected from China. Various statistical analysis techniques, including confirmatory factor analysis through structural equation modeling, are utilized to ensure the validity and reliability of the newly developed measurement scale.

Findings

A six‐item scale was developed for the construct of process orientation.

Research limitations/implications

Because the research is conducted in one particular industry (electronics) and one country (China), future studies in different contexts are needed to validate or modify the resulted scale. The measurement scale developed in this paper can be used in future empirical SCM research to further investigate the mechanism and impacts of process orientation.

Practical implications

The measurement can also be used by managers to evaluate their firms' process orientation and make necessary adjustments or improvements.

Originality/value

The paper addresses a void covering measurement of an important SCM concept – process orientation.

Citation

Chen, H., Tian, Y. and Daugherty, P.J. (2009), "Measuring process orientation", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 20 No. 2, pp. 213-227. https://doi.org/10.1108/09574090910981305